Cotton Incorporated
Cotton Incorporated

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  • Cotton Production
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      • Cotton Crop Market News
        • Cotton Market Weekly
        • Cotton Marketing Planner
      • Cotton Farming Decision Aids
        • 2014 Farm Bill – Farm Program and Insurance Decision Aid
        • 2015 Pima Cotton Loan Valuation Model
        • 2017 ELS Cotton Loan Calculator
        • 2017 Upland Cotton Loan Calculator
        • Cotton Basis Tools
        • Cotton Harvest Cost Comparison Program/Decision Aid
        • Cotton Irrigation Decision Aid
        • Cotton Module Transport Calculator
        • Cotton Precision Agriculture Investment Decision Aid
        • Cropland Rental Tool (CROPRENT)
        • Precision Agriculture Yield Variability Analyzer
        • South Plains Profitability
        • The Agricultural & Food Policy Center
      • Spotlight on Cotton Growers
        • Alternative and Low-Cost Sources of Lime and Fertilizer
        • Satellite Imagery Technology to Manage Variable Soil
        • Year-Round Expert Advice to Cotton Growers
        • Precision Input Cost Reduction
        • Innovative Water Sharing System
        • No-Till, Double-Cropping System Yields Costs Savings
        • Manage Heat with Innovation for Cotton Production
        • Soil Variability Lessons Learned
        • Using Gray Water in Cotton Production
      • Websites & Online Resources
        • Cotton Cultivated
        • Focus on Cotton
        • Regional Breeders Testing Network
        • Seed Matrix
        • COTMAN™ Crop Management System
      • Cotton Harvest Systems
        • Cotton Harvest System Videos
        • Seed Cotton Handling Storage
          • A Brief History of Cotton Modules
          • Case IH Half-Length Modules
          • Forming Covering Conventional Modules
          • John Deere Round Modules
          • Module Covers
          • Module Types
          • Proper Cutting of Plastic Wrap on Round Modules
          • References
          • Safety
          • What Is at Risk When Seed Cotton Is Stored
        • Stripper Harvesting
          • Background of Cotton Harvesting
          • Fiber Quality
          • In-Season Procedures
          • Preharvest Preparation
          • References
          • Safety Is Your Responsibility!
          • Stripper Harvester Preparation
        • The Spindle-Type Cotton Harvester
          • Appendix: Harvest Loss Calculations
          • Basic Safety Precautions
          • In-Season Procedures
          • Maximizing Harvester Capacity & Productivity
          • Preseason Procedures
          • Seed Cotton Handling Systems
          • Suggested Reading on Cotton Pickers
          • Introduction
      • Irrigation Management
        • Cotton Water Requirements
        • Initiating and Terminating Irrigation for the Season
        • Irrigation Scheduling Tools
        • Irrigation Systems Overview
        • Management Considerations for Irrigated Cotton
        • References and Additional Resources
        • Sensor-Based Scheduling
        • Water-Sensitivity of Cotton Growth Stages
        • Why Irrigate Cotton?
        • Why Schedule Irrigation?
    • Ag Research
      • Agricultural Economics
        • Farm Finance
        • Cotton Futures and Options
        • Crop Insurance
      • Agronomy
        • SeedMatrix.com
        • Rolling High Rye for Conservation of Tillage Cotton Success
      • Cottonseed
        • Cottonseed Market Prices
        • wholecottonseed.com
        • Whole Cottonseed a Super Feed for Dairy Cows
        • Cottonseed Press Releases
        • Cottonseed Storage
        • Cottonseed Goes With the Flow
        • EasiFlo™ Cottonseed Research
      • Engineering
        • ENSO and Cotton Yield Variability
        • Ginning Research
        • Precision Crop Management for Cotton
          • Other Precision Agriculture for Cotton Websites
          • Precision Cotton Technology Providers
        • Ultra Narrow Row Cotton Harvest to Textiles
          • Fiber and Textile Quality
          • Finger Stripper Harvesting Technology
          • Ginning Stripper Harvested Cotton
          • Marketing Stripper Harvested
          • UNRC Research and Production Experiences
      • Entomology
        • Caterpillar
        • Cotton Aphid
        • Plant Bugs
        • Spider Mites
        • Stink Bugs
        • Thrips
        • Whitefly
          • Management of White Fly Resistance to Key Insecticides in Arizona
          • Technical Advisory Committee of the Whitefly Q Biotype Task Force
      • Herbicide Stewardship
        • Herbicide-resistant Weeds Training Lessons
          • Current Status of Herbicide Resistance in Weeds
          • How Herbicides Work
          • Principles of Managing Herbicide Resistance
          • Scouting After a Herbicide Application and Confirming Herbicide Resistance
          • What Is Herbicide Resistance?
        • Take Action Against Herbicide-Resistant Weeds
      • Nematology
        • 2003 Breeding Cotton Nematode Resistance Meeting Presentations
        • 2005 Breeding Cotton for Resistance to Nematodes Meeting Presentations
        • 2007 Genetics of Root Knot Nematode Resistance in Cotton Meeting Presentations
        • 2012 Breeding Cotton for Resistance to Fusarium and Nematodes Meeting Presentations
      • Plant Pathology
        • Research Coordination Meeting on Target Spot Presentations
        • Review of the Bacterial Blight Research Program
      • Variety Improvement
        • Breeder Fiber Sample Information
          • Fiber Sample Packaging and Labeling
          • Packing Enclosure Form
          • Why Bad Samples are Bad
        • Cotton Breeders’ Tour Archives
        • Sample Project Summaries
        • State Variety Trial Data
      • Weed Management
        • Managing Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth
          • Introduction and Overview
          • List of Attendees
          • Palmer Roundtable Summary
          • Research Presentations
            • Colorado Molecular and Basic Research
            • Segregation and what it means in Palmer amaranth
          • Research Programs from Industry
            • Bayer CropScience
            • Monsanto
            • Syngenta
          • Update from States
            • Arkansas
            • Georgia
            • Louisiana
            • Mississippi
            • North Carolina
            • South Carolina
            • Summary Discussion
            • Tennessee
      • Meetings, Tours, and Presentations
        • 2019 Cotton Breeder’s Tour
        • Cotton Breeders’ Tours Presentations
        • Conservation Tillage Conferences
          • 2007 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2008 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2009 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2010 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2011 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2012 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2013 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2014 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2015 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
        • Cotton Biotechnology Workshops
        • Crop Management Seminar Presentations
          • 2006 Presentations
          • 2008 Presentations
          • 2010 Presentations
          • 2012 Presentations
          • 2014 Presentations
        • International Cotton Genome Initiative (ICGI) Research Conference Presentations
      • Ag Research Staff Directory
      • Cotton Incorporated Fellows
        • Cotton Incorporated Fellowships (CIF)
      • State Support Program
        • State Support Program Bylaws
          • Alabama State Support Committee Bylaws
          • California State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Florida State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Georgia State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Louisiana State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Mississippi State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Missouri State Support Committee Bylaws
          • North Carolina State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Oklahoma State Support Committee Bylaws
          • South Carolina State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Tennessee State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Virginia State Cotton Support Committee Bylaws
        • State Support Program Guidelines
        • State Support Program Projects
    • Cotton Quality
      • Classification of Cotton
        • Acknowledgements
        • Classification of American Pima Cotton
        • Classification of Upland Cotton
        • Dissemination of Data
        • Maintaining Official Standards for Classification
        • Overview
        • Quality and Reliability of Classification Data
      • 2018/2019 U.S. Cotton Fiber Chart
        • Bale Sizes
        • Grades of U.S. Cotton
        • HVI® Color Chart
        • Properties of the Growing Regions
        • Ratings of Fiber Properties
      • Cotton Crop Quality
        • Weekly Cotton Crop Quality Report
        • Most Planted Cotton Varieties for 2019
        • Final Cotton Crop Quality Summary Reports
        • Cotton Properties Legend
        • Cotton Crop Quality Summary
      • Product Evaluation Lab
        • Independent Testing Laboratories
      • Cotton Standards Websites
      • EFS® System Software
        • MILLNet™ Software
        • USCROP™ Software
        • Cotton Communicator™ Software
      • EFS® System Technical Service
      • EFS® System Licensees
      • EFS® Licensee Yarn Benefits
      • EFS® Fiber/Yarn Sourcing Directory
  • Quality Products
    • Performance Technologies
      • NATURAL STRETCH Technology
        • NATURAL STRETCH Technology
        • NATURAL STRETCH Licensed Suppliers
      • PUREPRESS™ Technology
      • STORM COTTON™ Technology
        • STORM COTTON™ Technology
        • STORM COTTON™ Licensed Suppliers
      • STORM DENIM™ Technology
        • STORM DENIM™ Technology
        • STORM DENIM™ Licensed Suppliers
      • TOUGH COTTON™ Technology
        • TOUGH COTTON™ Technology
        • TOUGH COTTON™ Licensed Suppliers
      • TransDRY® Technology
        • TransDRY® Technology
        • TransDRY® Licensed Suppliers
      • WICKING WINDOWS™ Technology
        • WICKING WINDOWS™ Technology
        • WICKING WINDOWS™ Supplier List
      • Technology Suppliers
    • Nonwovens
      • Why Cotton?
      • Marketing Resources
        • Aquatic Degradation
        • The Global Baby Care Market Present and Future Growth
        • Discover What Cotton Can DoTM
        • Incontinence Protection
        • Global Feminine Hygiene
        • Power of the Seal
        • Responsible Cotton Production
        • Trademark Licensing Program
      • Cotton Fiber Tech Guide
        • Agricultural Production
        • Cotton Morphology and Chemistry
        • Cotton Preparation
        • Cotton Properties
      • Nonwovens Sourcing
    • Textile Resources
      • Technical Bulletins
      • Standard Fabric Defect Glossary
      • Textile Encyclopedia
      • Fabric Defects Classification
      • Textile Glossary
      • Engineered Cotton Knits Guidelines
      • Cotton Fiber Development and Processing
    • Fabric Inspiration
      • FABRICAST™ Fabric Collections
        • 2018 Part 1
        • Cotton Compilation I
        • Cotton Compilation II
        • Creative Cotton I
        • Creative Cotton II
        • MMXVII Part 1
        • Cotton Innovations II
        • Cotton Innovations I
        • Natural Concepts II
        • Natural Concepts I
        • Cotton Inspiration II
        • Cotton Inspiration I
        • Natural Innovations
      • Performance Knitwear
      • Cotton Durability
    • Textile Sourcing
      • Cut and Sew
      • Dyers
      • Dye and Wash
      • Finishers
      • Knitters
      • Printers
      • Spinners
      • Weavers
      • Textile Associations and Resources
    • Textile Research
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      • Finishing Research
      • Product Development
      • Product Integrity
      • Technical Services & Implementation
  • Consumer Marketing
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  • About
    • Corporate
      • Worldwide Offices
      • Board of Directors
      • Careers
        • Career Opportunities
        • Student Opportunities
          • Fashion Marketing Internship Program
      • Research Proposal Guidelines
    • History
      • Company Timeline
      • Cotton Hall of Fame
    • Sustainability
      • Sustainability Goals
      • Pioneers of Progress
        • Agriculture
        • Cottonseed
        • Manufacturing
        • Consumer
        • Sustainability Community
        • Citations
    • Pressroom
      • Press Releases
      • Biographies
        • J. Berrye Worsham
        • Mark Messura
        • Kimberley S. Kitchings
        • Jesse Daystar
        • Kater Hake
        • Mike Shen
        • Vikki Martin
        • Mary Ankeny
        • William Kimbrell
        • Ed Barnes
        • Jon Devine
        • Linda DeFranco
        • Janet O’Regan
        • Melissa Bastos
        • Jenna Caccavo
        • Rachel Crumbley
      • Video Archive
      • Did You Know?
    • Event Calendar
    • Seal of Cotton trademark
      • Seal of Cotton trademark
    • Our Websites
      • CottonWorks™
      • Cotton Today
      • Cotton Lifestyle Monitor™
      • Cotton Cultivated
      • The Fabric of Our Lives®
      • Blue Jeans Go Green™
      • Cotton Campus
      • Whole Cottonseed
      • Regional Breeders Testing Network (RBTN)
    • Social Media
    • Cotton Industry Websites
      • Cotton LEADS™
    • Contact Us
  • Market Data
    • Monthly Economic Letter
      • Cotton Price Definitions
    • Executive Cotton Update
    • Supply Chain Insights
      • Childrenswear
      • Back to School
      • Intimates
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor : India
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor : Turkey
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor: Germany
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor: Italy
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor: United Kingdom
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor: China
      • Global Lifestyle Monitor: Thailand
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      • Global Lifestyle Monitor: Mexico
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      • Sustainability Concerned Consumers
      • Sustainable Clothing
      • When Does Sustainability Matter
      • Back To School Apparel
      • Fueling Consumption in Mexico’s Activewear Market
      • Home Textiles: Bath Towels
      • Home Textiles: Sheets & Bedding
      • The Now of Retail : Millennials
      • Securing the Hispanic Consumer
      • Childrenswear & Back To School Apparel
      • China’s Baby Care & Feminine Hygiene Market
      • Prospects for Tomorrow’s Underwear Market
      • Easing Apparel Sourcing Cost Pressures
    • Supply Chain Video Insights
    • Cotton Market Podcasts
      • Chinese Cotton Policy Podcasts
      • Pass-Through Series Podcasts
      • Educational Series Preview
      • Educational Series Podcasts
  • Cotton Production
    • Ag Resources
      • Cotton Crop Market News
        • Cotton Market Weekly
        • Cotton Marketing Planner
        • Cottonseed Market Prices
      • Cotton Farming Decision Aids
        • 2019 Upland Cotton Loan Calculator
        • 2018 Upland Cotton Loan Calculator
        • 2018 ELS Cotton Loan Calculator
        • 2017 Upland Cotton Loan Calculator
        • 2017 ELS Cotton Loan Calculator
        • 2014 Farm Bill – Farm Program and Insurance Decision Aid
        • The Agricultural & Food Policy Center
        • Cotton Basis Tools
        • Cotton Harvest Cost Comparison Program/Decision Aid
        • Cotton Irrigation Decision Aid
        • Cotton Module Transport Calculator
        • Cotton Precision Agriculture Investment Decision Aid
        • Cropland Rental Tool (CROPRENT)
        • Precision Agriculture Yield Variability Analyzer
        • South Plains Profitability
      • Spotlight on Cotton Growers
        • Soil Variability Lessons Learned
        • Alternative and Low-Cost Sources of Lime and Fertilizer
        • Year-Round Expert Advice to Cotton Growers
        • No-Till, Double-Cropping System Yields Costs Savings
        • Precision Input Cost Reduction
        • Using Gray Water in Cotton Production
        • Manage Heat with Innovation for Cotton Production
        • Innovative Water Sharing System
        • Satellite Imagery Technology to Manage Variable Soil
      • Websites & Online Resources
        • COTMAN™ Crop Management System
        • Seed Matrix
        • Cotton LEADS™
        • Focus on Cotton
      • Cotton Harvest Systems
        • The Spindle-Type Cotton Harvester
          • Introduction
          • Maximizing Harvester Capacity & Productivity
          • Seed Cotton Handling Systems
          • Basic Safety Precautions
          • Preseason Procedures
          • In-Season Procedures
          • Appendix: Harvest Loss Calculations
          • Suggested Reading on Cotton Pickers
        • Stripper Harvesting
          • Background of Cotton Harvesting
          • Preharvest Preparation
          • Stripper Harvester Preparation
          • In-Season Procedures
          • Fiber Quality
          • Safety Is Your Responsibility!
          • References
        • Seed Cotton Handling Storage
          • A Brief History of Cotton Modules
          • Module Types
          • What Is at Risk When Seed Cotton Is Stored
          • Forming Covering Conventional Modules
          • Case IH Half-Length Modules
          • John Deere Round Modules
          • Proper Cutting of Plastic Wrap on Round Modules
          • Module Covers
          • Safety
          • References
        • Cotton Harvest System Videos
        • Cotton Module Traceability
      • Irrigation Management
        • Why Irrigate Cotton?
        • Why Schedule Irrigation?
        • Initiating and Terminating Irrigation for the Season
        • Cotton Water Requirements
        • Water-Sensitivity of Cotton Growth Stages
        • Sensor-Based Scheduling
        • Irrigation Scheduling Tools
        • Management Considerations for Irrigated Cotton
        • Irrigation Systems Overview
        • References and Additional Resources
    • Ag Research
      • Agricultural Economics
        • Farm Finance
        • Cotton Futures and Options
        • Crop Insurance
      • Agronomy
        • SeedMatrix.com
        • Rolling High Rye for Conservation of Tillage Cotton Success
        • Nitrogen Requirements of Contemporary Cotton Cultivars
        • Cotton Variety Performance & Selection
        • Bronze Wilt Cotton
        • Managing Nitrogen Fertilization In Cotton
        • Sticky Cotton Sources Solutions – A Cooperative Extension
        • Utility of Plant Growth Regulation in Cotton Production
      • Cottonseed
        • Cottonseed Market Prices
          • Cottonseed Market Prices Archives
        • wholecottonseed.com
        • Whole Cottonseed a Super Feed for Dairy Cows
        • Cottonseed Press Releases
        • Cottonseed Storage
        • Cottonseed Goes With the Flow
        • EasiFlo™ Cottonseed Research
      • Engineering
        • Ginning Research
        • Precision Crop Management for Cotton
          • Precision Cotton Technology Providers
          • Other Precision Agriculture for Cotton Websites
          • Cotton Yield Maps: Tools for increasing efficiency & profitability
          • Cotton Yield Monitors – The Entrance Exam & Final Exam
          • Sensor-Based Application of Cotton Inputs – Approaches for plant growth regulators, harvest aids, and nitrogen
        • Ultra Narrow Row Cotton Harvest to Textiles
          • UNRC Research and Production Experiences
          • Ginning Stripper Harvested Cotton
          • Marketing Stripper Harvested
          • Fiber and Textile Quality
          • Finger Stripper Harvesting Technology
        • ENSO and Cotton Yield Variability
      • Entomology
        • Cotton Aphid
        • Caterpillar
        • Plant Bugs
        • Spider Mites
        • Stink Bugs
        • Thrips
        • Whitefly
          • Management of White Fly Resistance to Key Insecticides in Arizona
          • Technical Advisory Committee of the Whitefly Q Biotype Task Force
          • Sticky Cotton Sources and Solutions – The University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension
          • Whitefly Management in Arizona Cotton 2006 – The University of Arizona, Cooperative Extension
      • Herbicide Stewardship
        • Herbicide-resistant Weeds Training Lessons
          • Current Status of Herbicide Resistance in Weeds
          • How Herbicides Work
          • What Is Herbicide Resistance?
          • Scouting After a Herbicide Application and Confirming Herbicide Resistance
          • Principles of Managing Herbicide Resistance
        • Take Action Against Herbicide-Resistant Weeds
        • Weed Resistance in Herbicide-Resistant Cultivars R.L. Nichols
        • Preparing for the Auxin Technologies R.L. Nichols
        • Auxin Technologies Meeting Report R.L. Nichols
        • The Stewardship of Herbicides R.L. Nichols
      • Nematology
        • 2012 Breeding Cotton for Resistance to Fusarium and Nematodes Meeting Presentations
        • 2007 Genetics of Root Knot Nematode Resistance in Cotton Meeting Presentations
        • 2005 Breeding Cotton for Resistance to Nematodes Meeting Presentations
        • 2003 Breeding Cotton Nematode Resistance Meeting Presentations
        • Accomplishments of a 10-Year Initiative to Develop Host Plant Resistance to Root-Knot and Reniform Nematodes in Cotton 2003 – 2013
        • Managing Nematodes in Cotton-Based Cropping Systems (December 2012)
        • 2009 Status of Site-Specific Nematicide Treatment
        • 2005 Breeding Cotton for Resistance to Nematodes Meeting Report – June 9, 2005 Meeting in Memphis, Tennessee
        • 2003 Breeding Cotton for Resistance to Nematodes (Meeting Report)
        • 2006 Non-Transgenic Host Plant Resistance to Root-Knot and Reniform Nematodes in Cotton – R. L. Nichols, Cotton Incorporated
        • 2007 Report of the Research Coordination Meeting Genetics of Root-Knot Nematode Resistance in Cotton
      • Plant Pathology
        • Cotton Leafroll Dwarf Virus Research Review
        • Identification and Management of Fusarium Wilt Race 4
        • Exotic Polerovirus Infecting Cotton in the Southeast U. S.
        • Research Coordination Meeting on Target Spot Presentations
        • Review of the Bacterial Blight Research Program
        • Identification and Management of Bacterial Blight of Cotton
        • Diagnosis and Management of Foliar Diseases in the United States
        • Site-Specific Management of Cotton Root Rot Using Airborne and Satellite Imagery and Variable Rate Technology
        • Cotton Root Rot(Phymatotrichopsis Root Rot) and it’s Management
      • Variety Improvement
        • 2019 Cotton Breeder’s Tour
        • Cotton Breeders’ Tours Presentations
        • State Variety Trial Data
        • Breeder Fiber Sample Information
          • Fiber Sample Packaging and Labeling
          • Packing Enclosure Form
          • Why Bad Samples are Bad
        • Cotton Breeders’ Tour Archives
        • Sample Project Summaries
      • Weed Management
        • Managing Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth
          • Introduction and Overview
          • Update from States
            • Arkansas
            • Georgia
            • Louisiana
            • Mississippi
            • North Carolina
            • South Carolina
            • Tennessee
            • Summary Discussion
          • Research Presentations
            • Segregation and what it means in Palmer amaranth
            • Plant Population Genetics
            • Colorado Molecular and Basic Research
          • Research Programs from Industry
            • Syngenta
            • Bayer CropScience
            • Monsanto
          • Palmer Roundtable Summary
          • List of Attendees
        • 2016 Biology and Management of Herbicide-Resistant Palmer Amaranth in Cotton in the United States
        • 2011 Pigweed Resistance: How Much? To What? And Where?
        • 2010 Impacts of Herbicide Resistant Weeds – Southern States
        • 2010 Meeting the Challenge of Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth in Conservation Tillage
        • 2009 Glyphosate Weed Resistance Update
        • 2009 Control Failures with Ryegrass
        • 2008 Glyphosate-Resistant Populations of Amaranthus palmeri in the United States
        • 2006 Managing Herbicide Resistance in Cotton Cropping Systems
      • Meetings, Tours, and Presentations
        • Conservation Tillage Conferences
          • 2015 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2014 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2013 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2012 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2011 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2010 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2009 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2008 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
          • 2007 Conservation Tillage Conference Proceedings
        • Cotton Biotechnology Workshops
        • Crop Management Seminar Presentations
          • 2014 Crop Management Seminar Presentations
          • 2012 Crop Management Seminar Presentations
          • 2006 Crop Management Seminar Presentations
          • 2010 Crop Management Seminar Presentations
          • 2008 Crop Management Seminar Presentations
        • International Cotton Genome Initiative (ICGI) Research Conference Presentations
      • Ag Research Staff Directory
      • Cotton Incorporated Fellows
        • Cotton Incorporated Fellowships (CIF)
      • State Support Program
        • State Support Program Bylaws
          • Alabama State Support Committee Bylaws
          • California State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Florida State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Georgia State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Louisiana State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Mississippi State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Missouri State Support Committee Bylaws
          • North Carolina State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Oklahoma State Support Committee Bylaws
          • South Carolina State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Tennessee State Support Committee Bylaws
          • Virginia State Cotton Support Committee Bylaws
        • State Support Program Guidelines
        • State Support Program Projects
    • Cotton Quality
      • Classification of Cotton
        • Overview
        • Maintaining Official Standards for Classification
        • Classification of Upland Cotton
        • Classification of American Pima Cotton
        • Quality and Reliability of Classification Data
        • Dissemination of Data
        • Acknowledgements
      • 2018/2019 U.S. Cotton Fiber Chart
        • Properties of the Growing Regions
        • Grades of U.S. Cotton
        • Ratings of Fiber Properties
        • Bale Sizes
        • HVI® Color Chart
      • Cotton Crop Quality
        • Weekly Cotton Crop Quality Report
        • Most Planted Cotton Varieties for 2019
        • Final Cotton Crop Quality Summary Reports
        • Cotton Properties Legend
        • Cotton Crop Quality Summary
      • Product Evaluation Lab
        • Independent Testing Laboratories
      • Cotton Standards Websites
      • EFS® Software
        • MILLNet™ Software
          • MILLNet™ Software Video
        • USCROP™ Software
        • Cotton Communicator™ Software
      • EFS® System Technical Service
      • EFS® Licensee Yarn Benefits
      • EFS® System Licensees
      • EFS® Fiber/Yarn Sourcing Directory
  • Quality Products
    • Textile Research
      • Dyeing Research
      • Fiber Processing
      • Finishing Research
      • Product Development
      • Technical Services & Implementation
      • Product Integrity
    • Nonwovens
      • Why Cotton?
      • Marketing Resources
        • Aquatic Degradation
        • The Global Baby Care Market Present and Future Growth
        • Trademark Licensing Program
        • Power of the Seal
        • Incontinence Protection
        • Global Feminine Hygiene
        • Responsible Cotton Production
        • Discover What Cotton Can DoTM
      • Cotton Fiber Tech Guide
        • Agricultural Production
        • Cotton Properties
        • Cotton Preparation
        • Cotton Morphology and Chemistry
      • Nonwovens Sourcing
    • Performance Technologies
      • NATURAL STRETCH Technology
        • NATURAL STRETCH Technology
        • NATURAL STRETCH Licensed Suppliers
      • PUREPRESS™ Technology
      • STORM COTTON™ Technology
        • STORM COTTON™ Technology
        • STORM COTTON™ Licensed Suppliers
      • STORM DENIM™ Technology
        • STORM DENIM™ Technology
        • STORM DENIM™ Licensed Suppliers
      • TOUGH COTTON™ Technology
        • TOUGH COTTON™ Technology
        • TOUGH COTTON™ Licensed Suppliers
      • TransDRY® Technology
        • TransDRY® Technology
        • TransDRY® Licensed Suppliers
      • WICKING WINDOWS™ Technology
        • WICKING WINDOWS™ Technology
        • WICKING WINDOWS™ Licensed Suppliers
      • Technology Suppliers
    • Fabric Inspiration
      • FABRICAST™ Fabric Collections
        • FABRICAST™ 2019
        • 2018 Part 2
        • 2018 Part 1
        • MMXVII Part 2
        • MMXVII Part 1
        • Creative Cotton II
        • Creative Cotton I
        • Cotton Compilation II
        • Cotton Compilation I
        • Cotton Innovations II
        • Cotton Innovations I
        • Natural Concepts II
        • Natural Concepts I
        • Cotton Inspiration II
        • Cotton Inspiration I
        • Natural Innovations
      • Performance Knitwear
      • Cotton Durability
    • Textile Resources
      • Technical Bulletins
      • Standard Fabric Defect Glossary
      • Textile Encyclopedia
      • Textile Glossary
      • Fabric Defects Classification
      • Engineered Cotton Knits Guidelines
      • Cotton Fiber Development and Processing
    • Textile Sourcing
      • Cut and Sew
      • Dyers
      • Dye and Wash
      • Finishers
      • Knitters
      • Printers
      • Spinners
      • Weavers
      • Textile Associations and Resources
  • Consumer Marketing
    • Advertising & Digital Content
    • Retail Partnerships
      • Retail Partnerships Contact Form
    • Cotton Science & Sustainability Lesson Plans

Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

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Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

Quality Products › Nonwovens › Cotton Fiber Tech Guide › Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

Cellulose Chemistry

After scouring and bleaching, cotton is 99% cellulose. Cellulose is a macromolecule –– a polymer made up of a long chain of glucose molecules linked by C-1 to C-4 oxygen bridges with elimination of water (glycoside bonds). The anhydroglucose units are linked together as beta-cellobiose; therefore, anhydro-beta-cellobiose is the repeating unit of the polymer chain (see Figure 5 ). The number of repeat units linked together to form the cellulose polymer is referred to as the “degree of polymerization.”

Figure 6 Chemical Structure of Cellulose

CellobioseRepeatUnit - Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

Wood pulp, rayon and cellophane (all three derived from wood cellulose) are also constructed of cellulose polymers. Cotton cellulose differs from wood cellulose primarily by having a higher degree of polymerization and crystallinity. Crystallinity indicates that the fiber molecules are closely packed and parallel to one another (as illustrated in Figure 6 ). Table 5 (see page 24) shows the average degree of polymerization and the average crystallinity of the cellulose fibers cotton, viscose rayon and wood pulp. Higher degree of polymerization and crystallinity are associated with higher fiber strengths.

The cellulose chains within cotton fibers tend to be held in place by hydrogen bonding. These hydrogen bonds occur between the hydroxyl groups of adjacent molecules and are most prevalent between the parallel, closely packed molecules in the crystalline areas of the fiber.

The three hydroxyl groups, one primary and two secondary, in each repeating cellobiose unit of cellulose are chemically reactive. These groups can undergo substitution reactions in procedures designed to modify the cellulose fibers or in the application of dyes and finishes for crosslinking. The hydroxyl groups also serve as principal sorption sites for water molecules. Directly sorbed water is firmly chemisorbed on the cellulosic hydroxyl groups by hydrogen bonding.

Figure 7 Amorphous and crystalline Areas of Polymers

ChemicalStructureOfCellulose - Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

Of particular interest in the case of cellulose fibers is the response of their strength to variations in moisture content. In the case of regenerated and derivative cellulose fibers, strength generally decreases with increasing moisture content. In contrast, the strength of cotton generally increases with increased moisture. This difference among fibers in their response to moisture is explained in terms of intermolecular hydrogen bonding between cellulose chains and their degree of crystallinity (see Tables 5 and 6 ).

Table 5 Degree of polymerization and crystallinity of cellulose fibers
Fiber Average Degree
of Polymerization*
Average
Crystallinity (%)**
Cotton 9,000–15,000 73
Viscose rayon
Regular
250–450 60
High tenacity 500–650
High wet modulus 400–550
Wood pulp 600–1,500 35

* Joseph, M., Introduction to Textile Science, 5th Edition, 1986.
** Shirley Institute; measured by X-ray diffraction.

Thermoplastic fibers melt at elevated temperatures and have a glass transition temperature at some point below the polymer’s melting point. At the glass transition temperature, a thermoplastic fiber becomes brittle and loses its elasticity. Cotton is not a thermoplastic fiber; therefore, it has no glass transition temperature and remains flexible even at very low temperatures. At elevated temperatures, cotton decomposes instead of melting. Long exposure to dry heat above 300°F (149°C) causes cotton fibers to decompose gradually, and temperatures above 475°F (246°C) cause rapid deterioration.

Table 6 Dry and wet strengths of fibers (g/tex)
Fiber Dry Wet
Cotton 27–45 30–54
Rayon (regular) 22–27 10–14
Wood pulp 27–54 27–54

Cotton’s Unique Fiber Morphology

Figure 8 Structure of a cotton fiber

figure7 - Cotton Morphology and Chemistry

A mature cotton fiber has the following six parts.

The “cuticle” is the outer waxy layer, which contains pectins and proteinaceous materials. It serves as a smooth, water-resistant coating, which protects the fiber. This layer is removed from the fiber by scouring.

The “primary wall” is the original thin cell wall. Mainly cellulose, it is made up of a network of fine fibrils (small strands of cellulose). This makes for a well-organized system of continuous, very fine capillaries. It is well known that fine capillaries rob liquids from coarse capillaries. The fine surface capillaries of each cotton fiber contribute greatly to cotton’s wipe-dry performance.

The “winding layer” (also called the S1 layer) is the first layer of secondary thickening. It differs in structure from both the primary wall and the remainder of the secondary wall. It consists of fibrils aligned at 40 to 70-degree angles to the fiber axis in an open netting type of pattern.

The “secondary wall” (also called the S2 layer) consists of concentric layers of cellulose, which constitute the main portion of the cotton fiber. After the fiber has attained its maximum diameter, new layers of cellulose are added to form the secondary wall. The fibrils are deposited at 70 to 80-degree angles to the fiber axis, reversing angle at points along the length of the fiber. The fibrils are packed close together, again, forming small capillaries.

The “lumen wall” (also called the S3 layer) separates the secondary wall from the lumen and appears to be more resistant to certain reagents than the secondary wall layers.

The “lumen” is the hollow canal that runs the length of the fiber. It is filled with living protoplast during the growth period. After the fiber matures and the boll opens, the protoplast dries up, and the lumen naturally collapses, leaving a central void, or pore space, in each fiber.

Figure 8 shows a schematic structure of a mature cotton fiber, identifying its six parts.

Throughout the fiber structure, there are variously sized pores or capillary spaces between the variously sized fibrils in each of the six fiber parts. Thus, the cotton fiber can be viewed as a microscopic physical sponge with a complex porous structure. This internal structure makes cotton fibers accessible to liquids and vapors. The capillary action of the fibrils pulls liquid in, where it is held in pores between the fibrils. This structure accounts for cotton’s wickability and unique absorbing capacity.

The cotton fiber, when observed in its entirety, is a flat, twisted ribbon, with 50 to 100 convolutions per inch. The fiber is tapered on one end and fibrillated on the other, where it was joined to the cottonseed. This provides the fiber with a soft touch or feel, because it has no sharply cut ends, as do synthetic staple fibers.

Select the Right Fiber

Some absorbent nonwoven products, such as surgical sponges, sanitary napkins, tampons and cosmetic pads and puffs can be satisfactorily made from by-product cotton fiber (gin motes, comber noils and other mill waste). Most of these products evolve from a bleached cotton coil (an oversized sliver) that needs little integrity (fiber-to-fiber cohesion). However, roll goods from lightweight webs made by carding or air-forming require textile-grade fiber. Table 7 shows recommended fiber properties, testing methods and performance criteria for manufacturing nonwoven roll goods that can be used in cover stock for diapers and feminine pads or as fabrics for the protective clothing and home product areas.

Table 7 Properties of bleached cotton for nonwoven roll goods
Property Criterion Test Method
Micronaire ≥ 4.9 HVI
Length ≥ 0.95 in. HVI
Length uniformity ≥ 81.0% HVI
Strength ≥ 23.0 g/tex HVI
Non-lint content ≤ 0.8% MDTA-3
Fiber-to-fiber cohesion ≤ 1,700 g ICI fiber
cohesion test
Fiber openness ≥ 100 cc/g ITT test method

Fiber length and strength are important in the manufacture of lightweight roll goods, for obvious reasons. However, good fabric appearance is more important than fabric strength in certain nonwoven products, and fiber micronaire is a major consideration for these items. An undesirable characteristic for such items is high nep content. High-micronaire cotton tends to have lower nep content after ginning and is less prone to form additional neps in subsequent processing.

To study the influence of micronaire on nep formation, three bales of cotton of both high and low micronaire were selected, based on HVI data. Care was taken to keep other fiber variables constant to obtain a true measure of micronaire’s influence on nep formation. The bales were bleached at a commercial operation using normal production procedures, and the nep content at various stages of processing was determined with the Zellweger Uster AFIS nep tester.

Table 8 compares the properties and nep content of the two groups of cotton. The high-micronaire cotton showed some increase in nep content due to bleaching, most likely attributable to the fiber opening stages before and after drying. In contrast, the low-micronaire cotton showed substantial increases in nep content during bleaching and during nonwoven web formation. The benefits of using a higher micronaire cotton are dramatic.

Table 8 Influence of micronaire on nep formation during processing
Property High Micronaire Low Micronaire
Micronaire 4.5 3.0
Length (inches) 1.0 1.0
Length uniformity (%) 79.4 78.8
Strength (g/tex) 25.0 25.0
Elongation (%) 7.0 7.4
Neps per gram:
   Original bale 375 574
   Mechanically cleaned 354 860
   Bleached 520 1140
   Card web 540 2406

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